72 Arthur Street, FIVE WAYS NSW 2825.

For All of Your Gardening Needs

BFW Garden

Customize your backyard with a uniquely different approach to the environment.

Environmental Weeds

Grow the right weeds for housing insect societies in your backyard.

Attracting Wildlife

Create interesting resting and eating places for the wild animals in your area.

Biodiversity in Adelaide

Create a much safer and comforting surrounding for your neighbouring animals.

A Biodiversity Hot Spot

Historically, the Adelaide Plains and surrounding areas were identified as a biodiversity hotspot because the original biodiversity of the region was high for an area with a temperate climate. The region varied considerably in topography, geology, rainfall and microclimate, and this was reflected in the biodiversity.

Hand-Weeding

Mulching

Grazing, Mowing or Slashing

About the Program

The SA Urban Forest Biodiversity Program (UFBP) was established in 1997 to redress the loss of biodiversity across Metropolitan Adelaide by conserving our indigenous flora and fauna. It was initiated through a partnership involving the Local Government Biodiversity Network, the State and Commonwealth Governments and local community groups.

Since 2003 the Program has been managed by the SA Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Urban Biodiversity Unit and has also been delivered in conjunction with the SA Urban Forests – Million Trees Program, which is planting three million local native trees and associated understorey species to help restore vital habitat across the Adelaide Metropolitan Area.

Vision and Purpose

Past studies by the UFBP have shown that less than 12% of Adelaide’s original vegetation remains since European settlement in 1836. Most of this remaining vegetation is made up of the Hills Face Zone or coastal mangroves and samphire. Habitat destruction and fragmentation has caused significant biodiversity loss, with many local native species under threat.

How the UFBP Can Help You

The UFBP can provide financial, technical and other support to community groups, industry, individuals, councils and schools for projects involving:

for more information contact us

(02) 4027 5821

72 Arthur Street, FIVE WAYS NSW 2825.

How You Can Get Involved

Helping to conserve Adelaide’s biodiversity now is an important step towards creating a more sustainable city and protecting our valuable flora and fauna so they can be enjoyed for generations to come.If you would like to get involved then there are many ways that you can help.

What’s Happening

With the industrial waste breaking the records and the oceans and water bodies being polluted to the verge of disappointments, we can no longer stick to the fact that we still have at least 1% of fresh water for consumption. There is a need to change the way we are living our lives and consuming the resources without seeing the future of sustainability. Here are some tips to make a cleaner and better environment for ourselves as well as the other species on this planet.

Cut out the plastic

This is probably the most important concern which is responsible for the death of several underwater species. Plastic production is not ready to stop, and unless we stop using as much plastic as we can opt for biodegradable materials. There are companies who are encouraging plastic-free environment by producing quality products with alternative materials. Using such products will help greatly in an ecofriendly lifestyle.

Conserve energy

The simplest way you can save energy is by remembering to switch off the electrical appliances when you do not need them. The lighting itself accounts for over 40% of the electricity consumption. Switching off the lights every time you leave the room is a habit which will conserve the amounts of energy you cannot imagine.

Coldwater

Using cold water for washing your clothes can help in saving up the energy that goes into the washing machines. This will reduce the amount of energy consumption to up to 80%, which is a good way of sustainable usage.

Recycle the products

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When you are using plastic, paper, electronics, etc. try to weigh down the burden of its production by recycling whatever you can. The plastic bottles are easy to recycle. Instead of purchasing bottled water from the stores every day, you can carry your own water bottle from home. Also, learn to dispose of the batteries properly as they emit fumes which are dangerous for the environment.

Use solar energy

Solar energy has developed a lot in the past two decades and is now available for home purpose as well. You can install solar panels on your roofs and create your own energy to cut down the use of energy from the power plants. It will not only help in saving the environment but also in reducing your electricity bills and shrinking the carbon footprint.

Carpool

Carpool is a great way of cutting down traffic as well as fuel emissions. If you have friends or colleagues going in the same direction, choose to travel together in one car rather taking a car each. You can share the fuel prices for the rides as well as reach your destinations earlier if your society is also carpooling. Many business organisations also support this idea and encourage the workers to share a ride.

If you live near the woods or a rich wildlife forest, your backyard can become home or refuge to small wildlife species without your information. You can also have frequent visits by bigger animals if you have deers or bears in your area. If you do not want to chase them away and want them to enjoy there time while they are near your house, you can plan a few things to make your backyard friendly and interesting for them. Here are some of the tips to create wildlife-friendly gardens.

Redesign your lawn

You will have to make a few changes in the lawn and fences to make it safer if an animal tries to cross. Plant more plants, shrubs, and even trees at your lawn to provide shelter to the birds and animals which prefer higher grounds. Do not use loose wires and sharp edges which might cause harm to animals while crossing. Do not use fertilizers on plans which can be toxic for the wildlife.

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Use bird feeders

The easiest and quickest visitors to your backyard will be the birds. Install a bird feeder to always keep some water and food for them, especially during the summer season. You can even make bat house, butterfly house and a water bath for the birds where they can chill out during the summer heat.

Small animals

Smalls animals can go unnoticed and often become food for the higher food chain animals. To provide shelter to the small animals, first, find out if you are ready to keep animals like frogs and squirrels in your backyard. Make wooden furniture for the animals where they can take rest or make homes. Keep enough food source for all animals will need you to keep a batch of insect family in your yard as well. Do not chase off the grasshoppers and ants as they can be nutritious food for other animals.

Attracting birds

The best moments when you want to attract birds is during the nesting season. During this time, the birds look for protective environments, and you can create one for them by doing a few things while avoiding a few. Sound of water will attract the birds. You can keep an artificial waterfall in your backyard, or a simple drip hose will do the work. Do not trim the trees during this season as the birds prefer more privacy and will choose their homes accordingly.

Design well

Create a platform far enough to not invade animals when they are exploring your backyard. Construct a higher ground platform or simply enjoy the view from your balcony. Make your backyard look more attractive by placing real rocks and making a small fountain. You can use bird magazines or browse the internet for what the birds like for staying and eating to plan your supply better.